Photographs courtesy of MSC/ Explora Journeys
On June 10 more details were revealed of their new ultra luxury brand which will be named Explora Journeys by mother company MSC. This new cruise line’s mission will be “to redefine the cruise experience offering service levels second to none in the industry, allowing guests to relax, make memories and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones” as Pierfransesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division explains.
Explora Journey’s logo was designed by Alexa Aponte – Vago, daughter of MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte, wife of chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and also CFO of the MSC Group. The logo is inspired by the mandala with the lotus flower depicting purity of body, speech and mind with the pattern representing a journey of personal discovery and fulfilment, while the fleur-de lis relates to humility and shows the connection to its European heritage.
On the morning of June 10 the steel cutting ceremony of Explora I, the new line’s first vessel took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalocne, Italy, representing the start of the building process of Explora I. She will be delivered in 2023. Explora I will be designed with the help of a team of superyacht and luxury hospitality designers. 461 Oceanfront suites, the smallest of these measuring 35 square metres and among the largest afloat will offer guests the high-end experience expected with their floor to ceiling windows and private terraces.
Explora Journeys state the ship’s design will aim at putting gustes ”in an ocean state of mind”. Water and the ocean are the ships focal point: Explora I will have 2,500 square meters of outdoor deck space and 3 outdoor pools with 64 cabana’s. A fourth pool will feature a magrodome, a retractable roof making swimming possible also in inclement weather. Guests will have an array of inside and outside bars at their disposal and nine restaurants will serve gourmet dishes including locally sourced ingredients created by top chefs. To stay fit and relaxed a spacious indoor/ outdoor spa and fitness area as well as separate treatment rooms which can be enjoyed during group classes as well as with personal trainers. Also, activities ashore will offer wellness experiences.
An astonishing guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1 guarantees flawless service throughout the voyage. As Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys’ CEO explains: “we want guests to stay longer, leave later and travel deeper”.
Explora I will be followed by sister ships in 2024, 2025, 2026. In all an order of over 2 billion dollars. These 63,900GRT ships will have 14 passenger decks, capacity for 922 guests and will be built using the latest maritime technology available. SCR, selective catalytic reduction technology reducing nitrogen oxide by 90% while CO2-emissions will be lowered in port by being able to connect to shore power. The vessels Rina Dolphin classification imply that they will produce minimal underwater noise when sailing.
Booking for Explorer I’s Inaugural Collection will open autumn 2021. Voyages will take guests to off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Lofoten islands in Norway and Bozcaada in Turkey, but also to much loved ports like Saint-Tropez and Reykjavik to name just a few. These cruises will be of 7-nights duration and longer, with overnight stays in several ports included as well as non-conventional arrival and departure times. Combined with the vessels’ luxury interiors and impeccable service this will without any doubt guarantee guests a journey to remember.
